When Does Stanley Cup Finals Start? Get the Schedule Here

The excitement is building as the Stanley Cup Finals draw near. Hockey fans around the world are eager to know when this highly anticipated event will begin. The Stanley Cup Finals are considered to be one of the most thrilling moments in any hockey season, and every fan wants to make sure they don’t miss a single game.

There is always an air of intense anticipation leading up to the start of the Stanley Cup Finals. The teams have fought hard all season long to earn their place in this prestigious tournament, each determined to win the coveted trophy. Fans have been following their favorite teams throughout the playoffs, cheering them on with every victory and mourning each loss.

“The Stanley Cup Finals is more than just a sporting event – it’s a celebration of determination, perseverance, and a true love for the game.”

If you’re wondering when the Stanley Cup Finals will start, we’ve got you covered. This article provides all the information you need to stay up-to-date with the schedule of games, so you’ll never miss a moment of the action. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just someone who wants to witness history being made, you won’t want to miss a single game of the Stanley Cup Finals.

So sit back, relax, and get ready for some of the most exciting moments in hockey history. Here’s everything you need to know about when the Stanley Cup Finals start, including where to find the full schedule of games.

2021 Stanley Cup Finals Schedule and Dates

The 2021 Stanley Cup Finals is set to start on Monday, June 28th. The series will be a best-of-seven matchup between the Eastern Conference Champion and the Western Conference Champion.

The exact schedule for the Stanley Cup Finals has not been released yet, but it is expected that games will be played every other day until a winner is decided. If necessary, the final game of the series would take place on Tuesday, July 13th.

All Stanley Cup Finals games will be televised on either NBC or NBC Sports Network in the United States, while Canadian viewers can catch the action on CBC, TSN, or Rogers Sportsnet.

Eastern and Western Conference Champions

The teams competing for the chance to play in the Stanley Cup Finals will be determined through the NHL playoffs, which began on May 15th. As of now, four teams remain in each conference:

• Eastern Conference: New York Islanders, Tampa Bay Lightning
• Western Conference: Vegas Golden Knights, Montreal Canadiens

All four teams have had impressive playoff runs so far, but only two will advance to the Stanley Cup Finals. Whichever team emerges from the East will face off against the West champion in what promises to be an intense and dramatic series.

Host Cities for Stanley Cup Finals

The 2021 Stanley Cup Finals will be held at one of two potential host cities: Montreal or Tampa Bay. Which city gets the nod will depend on which team advances to represent the Eastern Conference.

If the Montreal Canadiens make it to the Finals, they will host Games 1, 2, 5*, and 7*. (*if necessary) If the Tampa Bay Lightning make it, they will host Games 3, 4, and 6*.

Regardless of which city ends up hosting, fans can expect a raucous atmosphere and plenty of excitement as two talented teams battle it out for the right to hoist the Stanley Cup.

“The Stanley Cup Finals is always one of the biggest events in sports, and this year promises to be no exception,” said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. “With four outstanding teams still competing for a shot at the title, fans are sure to be treated to some incredible hockey over the course of the next few weeks.”

How to Watch the Stanley Cup Finals

Broadcasting Channels and Networks

If you’re in the US, watching the Stanley Cup Finals on TV is relatively easy. The finals will be broadcast on NBC or NBC Sports Network. These channels are available on most cable and satellite providers. If you don’t have a cable subscription, you can sign up for one of the many streaming services that offer NBC or NBC Sports Network as part of their package, such as Sling TV, Hulu with Live TV, or YouTube TV.

If you’re based outside of the US, you may still be able to access the Stanley Cup Finals through your local sports channel. For example, in Canada, the games will be aired on Sportsnet and CBC Television. Fans in the UK will be able to watch via Premier Sports.

Live Streaming Platforms

If you prefer to live stream the games rather than watch on TV, there are plenty of options available. NBC Sports app and NBCSports.com both offer live streaming of the Stanley Cup Finals. You’ll need to log in with your cable or streaming provider credentials to access the content.

In addition to these options, other streaming platforms such as fuboTV, AT&T TV Now, and PlayStation Vue also provide live streams of the games.

Accessing the Stanley Cup Finals from Outside the US

If you’re outside of the US during the Stanley Cup Finals, you may face region-locking restrictions when trying to access certain streaming services. However, using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) could help you bypass these restrictions and enjoy the game just like anyone else.

A VPN allows you to change your IP address to appear as if you’re located within the US, which can enable you to access NBC or NBC Sports app regardless of your location. Make sure to choose a reputable VPN provider, and be aware that there may be additional costs for using this service.

“The best part about NBC’s Stanley Cup coverage is how comprehensive it is across all their different platforms.” -Scott Stinson

Watching the Stanley Cup Finals should be an enjoyable experience no matter how you choose to do it. By taking advantage of the various streaming options available, as well as possibly using a VPN outside of the US, you can ensure you never miss a moment of the action.

Teams Competing in the Stanley Cup Finals

The NHL playoffs have come to a close, and only two teams remain standing in the quest for the coveted Stanley Cup. This year’s finalists are the Montreal Canadiens and the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Canadiens have had an underdog run this playoff season. They managed to finish 4th in the North division with a record of 24-21-11, but they have played some excellent hockey this postseason. They swept the Winnipeg Jets and later defeated the heavily favored Vegas Golden Knights in six games to secure their spot in the finals. On the other hand, the defending champions, the Tampa Bay Lightning, finished third in the Central Division with a record of 36-17-3. However, since entering into the playoffs, the division has proved itself mighty as Tampa had series wins over Florida, Carolina, and New York Islanders on their journey back to defend the cup.

Team Statistics and Rankings

The statistics favor Tampa Bay. Their offense has been lethal again, leading all playoff teams with 64 Goals For in 20 games played while averaging 3.2 goals per game, while on defense allowing just 1.9 GA/game — which leads all remaining teams by far — after giving up 24 total through rounds one and two. The Lightning has also dominated possession-wise, finishing the regular season with a +89 goal differential above Montreal Canadiens’ +1 differential coming from 72 extra goals scored over the course of the season.

There is that popular saying, “defense wins championships,” something nobody else seems to talk about except coaches and plays everywhere. Well, it definitely applies to the Canadiens this year. Led by goaltender Carey Price, who has been nothing short of outstanding between the pipes with.934 save percentage ceasing the scoring chances of his opponents. The Canadiens’ defense has held their teams in critical situations, and that confidence allowed them to play smart hockey knowing if they could keep the other team from gaining momentum gain those extra needed points before the final whistle sounded

Key Players to Watch

A lot of the attention should be on the goaltenders heading into this matchup. Carey Price is the backbone of the Montreal Canadiens while Andrei Vasilevskiy does the same for the Tampa Bay Lightning.

In terms of players known for putting up value offensively, both of these teams have dynamic talents between right-winger David Pastrnak (BOS) and Nikita Kucherov (TB) and left-wing Jonathan Marchessault (VGK) who are all tied with Brayden Point (TBL) having scored 14 points this post-season. Max Pacioretty also stands out among other goal scorers with nine already made in Vegas’s playoff campaign.

Team Strategies and Game Plans

The Tampa Bay Lightning’s offensive strategy seems simple — capitalize on their considerable offensive firepower and create high danger chances for Point, Kucherov and Steven Stamkos when possible. They’re unlikely to deviate away from that, given it’s worked incredibly well throughout the playoffs so far.

The Montreal Canadiens play a much more defensive game. Their backchecking is incredibly efficient, and their forwards often focus on getting the puck out of their zone quickly rather than trying to set up anything too risky. They target the opponent’s top line by keeping possession deep within the attacking zone to limit any potential counter-attacks and tire out opposing defenseman lines even late in tight games or periods.

“This year we didn’t win the President’s Trophy or anything like that but hard work pays off,” Phil Danault (Canadiens center) said to NHL reporters. “It takes four lines, it takes six D-men, and Carey’s obviously been amazing for us in the playoffs.”

Whatever way the finals motivate the top-line players on either team — this matchup sets up to be a fascinating, game that is going to end with one of these teams taking home the most cherished trophy in all of ice hockey! Now fans everywhere are probably asking when does Stanley Cup Finals start? The answer is: Monday, June 28th at 8 PM ET. You don’t want to miss this!

History of the Stanley Cup Finals

Origins and Evolution of the Stanley Cup

The history of the Stanley Cup Finals can be traced back to 1893 when it was first introduced as a challenge cup by Sir Frederick Arthur Stanley, who served as the Governor-General of Canada. The trophy was originally designed to be awarded to the best amateur hockey team in Canada but as the sport began to grow in popularity, it started getting contested at professional levels too.

Today, the NHL conducts playoffs every year to determine the winner of the coveted trophy. The competition runs throughout April, May and June each year, culminating in the championship series: the Stanley Cup Finals.

Most Successful Teams in Stanley Cup History

The Montreal Canadiens are the most successful team in Stanley Cup history with 24 victories. They have consistently been one of the top performers in the league, having made it to the Finals more than any other team (33 times). Their last win came in the 1992-93 season. Trailing just behind them is Toronto Maple Leafs that has won 13 cups during their career.

Pittsburgh Penguins occupies third place on the all-time leader board having earned five championships over the years. Detroit Red Wings come fourth on the list with eleven wins under their belt. Finally, Chicago Blackhawks swept its way into fifth place with six triumphant outings throughout their history.

Memorable Moments and Records in Stanley Cup Finals

Over the years, we’ve seen several memorable moments and records being set during the Stanley Cup Finals. Wayne Gretzky’s performance in Game Two of the 1985 finals, where he scored seven points while playing for Edmonton Oilers against Philadelphia Flyers, is hailed as one of the greatest individual performances in the history of the sport.

Chicago Blackhawks holds the record for most goals scored in a single Final series, with 23 in the 2013 campaign against Boston Bruins – their highest scoring player during that year was Patrick Kane who bagged himself three goals and ten assists. The greatest players in history have left their marks too, names like Bobby Orr’s overtime goal to win Game Four of the 1970 Finals or Mario Lemieux’s magnificent solo effort against Minnesota North Stars during the 1991 finals are moments etched into hockey lore forever.

If you’re looking forward for a truly exciting competition between America’s best NHL teams then look no further than Stanley Cup Finals! It’s always an amazing time watching these skilled athletes leave it all on the ice as they battle it out for one of the toughest trophies to get your hands onto in professional sports. So if you’re already itching to watch this season’s cup final to see which team is going to take home the title, don’t worry — the action will kick off soon enough!

Stanley Cup Finals Predictions and Favorites

The Stanley Cup Finals is one of the most anticipated events in the world of ice hockey, as it pits the two best teams from each conference against each other in a thrilling series. As we approach the end of the regular season, fans are eagerly waiting to see who will make it to the final stage of the tournament and who will ultimately come out on top.

Expert Predictions and Analysis

NHL experts and analysts have been weighing in with their predictions for this year’s Stanley Cup Finals. According to ESPN, some of the favorites to win the cup this year include the Colorado Avalanche, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Tampa Bay Lightning. On the Western Conference side of things, the Vegas Golden Knights and Minnesota Wild have emerged as strong contenders for the championship title.

While predictions can always change based on how well each team performs during the playoffs, these early insights give us an idea of which teams are currently favored to advance far in the tournament.

Current Odds and Betting Lines

If you’re interested in making your own predictions or placing bets on the outcome of the Stanley Cup Finals, keeping an eye on current odds and betting lines can be helpful. According to BetMGM, the Tampa Bay Lightning are currently the betting favorite to win the cup, followed by the Toronto Maple Leafs and Vegas Golden Knights. However, as we’ve seen in past playoff games, anything can happen once the puck drops, so don’t count any team out just yet.

Factors Affecting the Outcome of the Stanley Cup Finals

As with any sports event, there are various factors that can affect the outcome of the Stanley Cup Finals, including injuries, roster changes, and overall team performance. With such a rigorous schedule and intense competition, staying healthy throughout the playoffs is crucial for any team’s success.

Team chemistry and morale can also play a significant role in how well they perform on the ice. Teams that have good relationships between players and coaches often work better together and are more resilient during challenging times than those with a strained team dynamic.

“The Stanley Cup Playoffs are truly an unpredictable beast, but one thing we know for sure is that it takes a complete team effort to come out on top,” says NHL analyst Chris Johnston.

When does the Stanley Cup Finals start will be determined by which teams make it through the conference finals, but no matter who ends up competing in the final series, fans can expect high-level hockey and unforgettable moments from some of the sport’s best athletes.

Stanley Cup Finals MVP and Awards

The Stanley Cup Finals is an annual ice hockey championship series played in North America. It consists of two teams that compete for the coveted prize, the Stanley Cup trophy. Along with the cup itself, various individual awards are also presented at the end of the finals.

Criteria for Winning the Conn Smythe Trophy

The Conn Smythe Trophy is awarded to the most valuable player (MVP) of the Stanley Cup playoffs. The winner of this award must have contributed significantly to their team’s success throughout the playoffs. This award was first presented in 1965, and all players who had a significant impact on their team during the playoffs could win it.

The NHL doesn’t provide any specific criteria or formula for selecting the best player of the playoffs as different people may use different factors when voting. However, players who display their leadership qualities, playmaking ability, scoring prowess, defensive skills, and overall dominance on both ends of the ice throughout the playoffs can expect to be recognized come playoff time.

A panel of experts consisting of media members, broadcasters, and former NHL players vote on the recipient of the Conn Smythe Trophy during Game 6 or Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals.

Previous Winners of the Conn Smythe Trophy

• 2020 – Victor Hedman (Tampa Bay Lightning)
• 2019 – Ryan O’Reilly (St. Louis Blues)
• 2018 – Alex Ovechkin (Washington Capitals)
• 2017 – Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh Penguins)
• 2016 – Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh Penguins)
• 2015 – Duncan Keith (Chicago Blackhawks)
• 2014 – Justin Williams (Los Angeles Kings)

“It’s a special trophy to win, the ultimate compliment for an individual in our sport. But at the end of the day, we all know what we play for as a team, and that’s the Stanley Cup.” – Ryan O’Reilly

Ryan O’Reilly won his maiden Conn Smythe Trophy in 2019 after leading the St Louis Blues to their first-ever victory at the end of the hard-fought finals series against Boston Bruins. He scored one goal and eight assists over 26 games during the playoffs.

The most recent recipient of the Conn Smythe Trophy was Victor Hedman of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Hedman had a memorable playoff run, producing ten goals and twelve assists while helping his team claim the top prize. The Swedish defenseman became the second player from his country ever to take home this award, following Henrik Zetterberg’s triumph in 2008.

Sidney Crosby holds the most number of the Conn Smythe Trophies with two, which he won consecutively in 2016 and 2017. This title is quite prestigious among NHL players since it signifies excellence throughout every stage of the postseason. As such, they are forever enshrined in hockey history alongside some of the greatest players ever to grace these professional ranks.

“This is what you dream of as a kid growing up — you want to win Cups.” – Sidney Crosby

Barring any interruption by unforeseen events, the Stanley Cup Finals start promptly at the end of May or early June, giving fans across North America something to look forward to each year. While winning the league championship itself is enough motivation for most players, taking home the coveted MVP honors provides exceptional glory that few hockey players will ever experience.

Frequently Asked Questions